This year is almost over. I've blogged about a number of issues relevant to me and my community. In Chicago, there was a number of violent deaths on teens by teens. It is a sad day when people have become immune to this type of violence. I've asked before and I'm going to ask again, "Where is the village?" What is/has happened to the Black community? How can so many of us give up on future generations without even trying? It is not the sole responsibility of the teachers. What many of us know is many parents are children themselves and they don't know how to parent. We have to make a better effort in reclaiming out community. No one can or will do it for us. We need to stop looking for these celebrities and other prominent African Americans to save our children. I know many of us can come together for a number of "pyramid or ponzi schemes" but when it comes reclaiming our neighborhoods, we've turned a deaf ear and blind eye.
In 2010, make a vow to make a difference in a child's life. Stop being so self-centered and self-absorbed and help reclaim the Black community. I remember a time when the village was alive and kicking. Let's bring that back! We can't afford not to do it.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
What is your legacy?
Yesterday evening, I was watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The woman selected to receive a makeover is probably one of the most inspirational people I've heard of in a long time. Ms. Clara is a pillar in her community. She makes sure the people in her community have things most people take for granted.
As I was watching, I got to thinking about the legacy this lady is leaving for her family and community. It also made me wonder, what type of legacy will be left when I am no longer here? I don't believe a lot of people think about this. Too many of us young people aren't doing anything to leave a legacy. We don't have a cause that is near and dear to us. We are not giving back to our communities on a regular basis. (Cleaning out our closet once or twice a year is good, but what else do you do?) I think a lot of us are tired and we have no reason to be tired. We didn't march for equality. We are riding on the coat tails of others who did.
My challenge to you as well as myself is to begin working on your legacy today. Don't wait until the new year, start today. If your desire is to work with teen mothers, start doing so today. You can go to your local school, church or park district to find teen mothers. Men, start mentoring these young boys. A lot of these young boys are in need of a man to teach them how to become a man. Stop waiting on others to do for our community. There is only one Oprah and she can't and shouldn't have to do it all. I implore you to get involved and start taking back our children and communities. It is amazing that there are so many civic/community based organizations that many Black people participate in on a regular basis and the Black community is falling apart. Maybe they are doing things in the community and I am not aware of it.
I want to let everyone know that I donate blood on a regular basis. I also participate in the Glass Slipper Project (which donates prom dresses, shoes and accessories to high school girls who can't afford to purchase them) every year. I also donate clothes to various women's shelter's on a regular basis. I work with youth who need assistance in writing personal statements for college. I am also the Child Volunteer Protection Advocate for my daughter's soccer league, in addition to working full-time and going to school part-time. To those of you who think you don't have time to give back, you need to make time.
As I was watching, I got to thinking about the legacy this lady is leaving for her family and community. It also made me wonder, what type of legacy will be left when I am no longer here? I don't believe a lot of people think about this. Too many of us young people aren't doing anything to leave a legacy. We don't have a cause that is near and dear to us. We are not giving back to our communities on a regular basis. (Cleaning out our closet once or twice a year is good, but what else do you do?) I think a lot of us are tired and we have no reason to be tired. We didn't march for equality. We are riding on the coat tails of others who did.
My challenge to you as well as myself is to begin working on your legacy today. Don't wait until the new year, start today. If your desire is to work with teen mothers, start doing so today. You can go to your local school, church or park district to find teen mothers. Men, start mentoring these young boys. A lot of these young boys are in need of a man to teach them how to become a man. Stop waiting on others to do for our community. There is only one Oprah and she can't and shouldn't have to do it all. I implore you to get involved and start taking back our children and communities. It is amazing that there are so many civic/community based organizations that many Black people participate in on a regular basis and the Black community is falling apart. Maybe they are doing things in the community and I am not aware of it.
I want to let everyone know that I donate blood on a regular basis. I also participate in the Glass Slipper Project (which donates prom dresses, shoes and accessories to high school girls who can't afford to purchase them) every year. I also donate clothes to various women's shelter's on a regular basis. I work with youth who need assistance in writing personal statements for college. I am also the Child Volunteer Protection Advocate for my daughter's soccer league, in addition to working full-time and going to school part-time. To those of you who think you don't have time to give back, you need to make time.
Monday, November 30, 2009
SMH
Over the past few weeks, the students have been a out of control. There have been multiple fights and it is just nuts. It seems like a lot of the students only come to school to fight. They are not going to class in a timely fashion and no one seems to care.
What is really going on here? How can we prepare these students for the future if they are not in class? I guess it really doesn't matter because the teacher is responsible for the student not matter what. The parents and child don't have any accountability.
A few months ago, I posted about teachers not teaching or attempting to teach. I now understand how so many get to that point. If you are trying to improve and do well, it seems like you are shunned for that. Mediocrity is acceptable.
Is this what education has come to?
What is really going on here? How can we prepare these students for the future if they are not in class? I guess it really doesn't matter because the teacher is responsible for the student not matter what. The parents and child don't have any accountability.
A few months ago, I posted about teachers not teaching or attempting to teach. I now understand how so many get to that point. If you are trying to improve and do well, it seems like you are shunned for that. Mediocrity is acceptable.
Is this what education has come to?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Where is the village?
There is an African proverb that states "It takes a village to raise a child." I believe that wholeheartedly, however I am wondering where is the village?
In recent weeks in the Chicagoland area, there have been a lot of news reports of children killing one another. Some of these kids are beaten, stabbed or shot. I am not sure what has so many children full of hate. I know part of the reason is children are having children. There are many people who don't like to admit this, but this is the case. It is a shame that many people in the Black community no longer find shame when a girl is a teenager, pregnant and unmarried. Those people over 30 will remember a time when the pregnant girl would be sent down South and when she returned she was no longer pregnant and there was no baby in sight. That was when most of the community found this to be a travesty. Today, it seems as if it is the opposite. I have students who don't see anything wrong with having a baby at a young age. I don't really understand what happened in the Black community to cause this shift.
I digress. The issue here is about the violence taking place in the inner city. What can be done to reduce the number of children being killed? I have a few ideas and some of them may seem extreme or radical, but they may actually work.
1. The black community needs to take it back! There was a time when the Black community had everything we needed in our backyard. Today, that is not the case. We have allowed other ethnicities to come into our communities and set up shop and offer us inferior products and services. I've purposed in my mind a few years ago to try and support as many Black businesses as possible. If they are not meeting my expectations, I offer them feedback and give them a chance to correct it. If they still are unable to produce, I let them know I am not going to return to their establishment and the reason(s) why. It is up to them if they listen. I know there are some people who say they don't have time for that, but if you don't let people know what's wrong, they may believe they are doing right. If there were more Black owned business in the Black community, maybe some fo the kids would have positive role models who look like them and they wouldn't have to engage in illegal activities to earn money.
2. Blacks need to stop trying to run from each other. When so many Blacks "make it", they abandon their old neighborhoods for more affluent ones. A good number of these areas don't want Blacks in them anyway. I know people have a choice to live wherever they want. I agree that you should live where you will be happy. My point is, a lot of successful Blacks never come back to their old communities to give back to the community. When they do, they do it once a year. Kids need to see positive role models on a regular basis, not on a yearly basis.
3. Stop expecting others to do for you what you are not willing to do for yourself. This is a major issue for the Black community. So many Blacks look for celebrities to do what they aren't willing to do for themselves. When Oprah opened her school in Africa, so many people were upset that she didn't do something in the United States. She said when she asked the kids in the United States what did they want, so many of them named electronic devices. When she went to Africa, the kids wanted to get a good education. What a lot of people fail to realize is businesses are less likely to set up in communities in distress when the residents don't take interest in them.
4. Eliminate or reduce government assistance for people who continue to have children and have never worked. I know this may seem a bit extreme, but why should tax dollars be spent taking care of children whose parents refuse to work? It is not fair to those who work and want to have children and can't afford to do so. If government assistance was reduced for each additional child a person had, I bet a lot of people wouldn't keep having them. Or what if it was contingent upon a child's attendance and performance in school? I wonder how many kids would really strive to do well. My point here is, there has to be some type of concrete plan in place to deter this type of behavior. it is a sad day when some of my students don't see anything wrong with turning 18 and getting on welfare. A good number of them are looking forward to doing so. If I don't have anything to aspire to, I'll continue to do what my parents and family has done.
Children learn from example. if they don't have any positive examples to show them differently, they will do what they know. Now I understand that you can't reach all the kids, but you can make an effort to reach one. We know that there are some parents who will never get it together, but if we work with the children of these parents, there may be hope.
In recent weeks in the Chicagoland area, there have been a lot of news reports of children killing one another. Some of these kids are beaten, stabbed or shot. I am not sure what has so many children full of hate. I know part of the reason is children are having children. There are many people who don't like to admit this, but this is the case. It is a shame that many people in the Black community no longer find shame when a girl is a teenager, pregnant and unmarried. Those people over 30 will remember a time when the pregnant girl would be sent down South and when she returned she was no longer pregnant and there was no baby in sight. That was when most of the community found this to be a travesty. Today, it seems as if it is the opposite. I have students who don't see anything wrong with having a baby at a young age. I don't really understand what happened in the Black community to cause this shift.
I digress. The issue here is about the violence taking place in the inner city. What can be done to reduce the number of children being killed? I have a few ideas and some of them may seem extreme or radical, but they may actually work.
1. The black community needs to take it back! There was a time when the Black community had everything we needed in our backyard. Today, that is not the case. We have allowed other ethnicities to come into our communities and set up shop and offer us inferior products and services. I've purposed in my mind a few years ago to try and support as many Black businesses as possible. If they are not meeting my expectations, I offer them feedback and give them a chance to correct it. If they still are unable to produce, I let them know I am not going to return to their establishment and the reason(s) why. It is up to them if they listen. I know there are some people who say they don't have time for that, but if you don't let people know what's wrong, they may believe they are doing right. If there were more Black owned business in the Black community, maybe some fo the kids would have positive role models who look like them and they wouldn't have to engage in illegal activities to earn money.
2. Blacks need to stop trying to run from each other. When so many Blacks "make it", they abandon their old neighborhoods for more affluent ones. A good number of these areas don't want Blacks in them anyway. I know people have a choice to live wherever they want. I agree that you should live where you will be happy. My point is, a lot of successful Blacks never come back to their old communities to give back to the community. When they do, they do it once a year. Kids need to see positive role models on a regular basis, not on a yearly basis.
3. Stop expecting others to do for you what you are not willing to do for yourself. This is a major issue for the Black community. So many Blacks look for celebrities to do what they aren't willing to do for themselves. When Oprah opened her school in Africa, so many people were upset that she didn't do something in the United States. She said when she asked the kids in the United States what did they want, so many of them named electronic devices. When she went to Africa, the kids wanted to get a good education. What a lot of people fail to realize is businesses are less likely to set up in communities in distress when the residents don't take interest in them.
4. Eliminate or reduce government assistance for people who continue to have children and have never worked. I know this may seem a bit extreme, but why should tax dollars be spent taking care of children whose parents refuse to work? It is not fair to those who work and want to have children and can't afford to do so. If government assistance was reduced for each additional child a person had, I bet a lot of people wouldn't keep having them. Or what if it was contingent upon a child's attendance and performance in school? I wonder how many kids would really strive to do well. My point here is, there has to be some type of concrete plan in place to deter this type of behavior. it is a sad day when some of my students don't see anything wrong with turning 18 and getting on welfare. A good number of them are looking forward to doing so. If I don't have anything to aspire to, I'll continue to do what my parents and family has done.
Children learn from example. if they don't have any positive examples to show them differently, they will do what they know. Now I understand that you can't reach all the kids, but you can make an effort to reach one. We know that there are some parents who will never get it together, but if we work with the children of these parents, there may be hope.
Monday, October 19, 2009
It doesn't make sense.
I was speaking with a fellow educator the other day and we were talking about educators who have somehow lost their passion (maybe never had it) for teaching. One of the things we were discussing is how so many teachers have become very mediocre in their 'profession' (if you want to call it that). I don't understand why people continue to do a half-assed job. Why don't they go elsewhere and do that? Oh wait, if you do that in many corporate jobs, you'd be fired before you were hired good.
It saddens me when I see or hear about educators that don't teach (or at least pretend to teach). The kids talk about them and often times they don't realize how that educator is saying they are stupid or dumb by not attempting to teach them. Most of the kids don't care, they just want to get a good grade and pass the class. What many of them fail to realize is the proof is in the pudding. How can you be number one in your class, in honors or AP classes, and when you take the ACT test, you score just the same as all the other students.
I don't get it. It doesn't make any sense. Either the teachers aren't really teaching these kids on that level, or the kids aren't applying themselves. I don't know. My friend and I were discussing this because she just got an AP class on her schedule because the former teacher wasn't really teaching the kids at an AP level. The former teacher got mad that this change took place.
What is really going on in America that people who are trusted to educate no longer seem to care. It seems like the focus is on passing kids and getting them to graduate. It doesn't really matter if they learn anything. I am always baffled how a country that is supposed to be so great, is lagging as it relates to education. Maybe if more money was spent to improve education and educate parents, there wouldn't be a need for so many prisons. Oops, then so many companies would lose a lot of money. That's another issue, another blog entry.
If America really wants to see improvement, we need to wake up. There are so many other countries surpassing us by and we don't seem to mind.
It saddens me when I see or hear about educators that don't teach (or at least pretend to teach). The kids talk about them and often times they don't realize how that educator is saying they are stupid or dumb by not attempting to teach them. Most of the kids don't care, they just want to get a good grade and pass the class. What many of them fail to realize is the proof is in the pudding. How can you be number one in your class, in honors or AP classes, and when you take the ACT test, you score just the same as all the other students.
I don't get it. It doesn't make any sense. Either the teachers aren't really teaching these kids on that level, or the kids aren't applying themselves. I don't know. My friend and I were discussing this because she just got an AP class on her schedule because the former teacher wasn't really teaching the kids at an AP level. The former teacher got mad that this change took place.
What is really going on in America that people who are trusted to educate no longer seem to care. It seems like the focus is on passing kids and getting them to graduate. It doesn't really matter if they learn anything. I am always baffled how a country that is supposed to be so great, is lagging as it relates to education. Maybe if more money was spent to improve education and educate parents, there wouldn't be a need for so many prisons. Oops, then so many companies would lose a lot of money. That's another issue, another blog entry.
If America really wants to see improvement, we need to wake up. There are so many other countries surpassing us by and we don't seem to mind.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Back to the Basics
School has officially been in session for a full week. It is still a bit chaotic, but what else is new? I have debated if I would chime in on this subject or not. Well, on September 8, 2009, Mr. President was giving a speech to encourage students to do well in school so they may be able to accomplish their future goals. As of today, I have not heard all of it, but what I have heard seemed to be good, sound advice. I cannot fathom why any parent would be upset by this, oops, I know it's because the parents really don't want their children to become successful.
I think that it is horrible that some parents dislike or hate the President so much that they refused to allow their children to go to school. What type of message does that send to the child? I also think it is a sad day when school districts have to find entertainers or other people in the limelight who may not be the best voice to promote education. I am wondering what has happened in our society that we have to find a cheering squad to get students motivated to go back to school?
I don't understand it and I probably never will. I think it is time for so many of us to stop riding the coat tails of those who came before us and start getting involved. During the Civil Rights Movement, people were fighting with the hopes of invoking a change. Today, it seems like we are okay with the way things are and if we aren't, we won't say it too loud for fear of someone holding us accountable.
It is my prayer that America can get it together. How can we proclaim to be this great nation and we can't or won't take care of our own people and the issues plaguing them? When will America stop rolling out the welcome mat and running to the aid of others and help America?
I think that it is horrible that some parents dislike or hate the President so much that they refused to allow their children to go to school. What type of message does that send to the child? I also think it is a sad day when school districts have to find entertainers or other people in the limelight who may not be the best voice to promote education. I am wondering what has happened in our society that we have to find a cheering squad to get students motivated to go back to school?
I don't understand it and I probably never will. I think it is time for so many of us to stop riding the coat tails of those who came before us and start getting involved. During the Civil Rights Movement, people were fighting with the hopes of invoking a change. Today, it seems like we are okay with the way things are and if we aren't, we won't say it too loud for fear of someone holding us accountable.
It is my prayer that America can get it together. How can we proclaim to be this great nation and we can't or won't take care of our own people and the issues plaguing them? When will America stop rolling out the welcome mat and running to the aid of others and help America?
Friday, August 28, 2009
A few things I believe all men should know when it comes to dating
In a previous post, I mentioned my inability to find a reliable date for some upcoming functions. I know some people may wonder what's the big deal, but sometimes a lady requires an escort. I am happy to announce, that this has been resolved. This entire situation got me to thinking about some of the things I believe all men need to know when it comes to dating women.
1. When you are interested in a woman, if you don't have yourself together please do everyone a favor and don't even attempt to pursue the woman. Many women don't/won't wait for you to get it together, especially if you are over a certain age.
2. Don't wait too late. There is a saying that goes something like "Study long, study wrong". A lot of guys are like a little kid in the candy store when it comes to dating. Some men act like kids in the candy store when it comes to dating. They get so excited with all the different selections, they don't know how to narrow it down to just one.
3. Start showing a little maturity. I can't speak for all women, but I know quite a few who can't stand immature males. Know when enough is enough.
4. Second chances don't come around too often. If a woman allows you to come back into her life, don't do the fool and repeat the same mistake(s) twice. What men also need to realize is, most women have a window in which she will allow a man to come back and after that window, he can hang it up!
5. Be a man! I think this is the most important tidbit to know. Women don't want to have to try and rear an adult male into a man. If you have reached a certain age and you don't know what a man is supposed to do or how he's supposed to act, you need to get a book or ask a man. Women shouldn't have to tell a man to hold the door for her, send her flowers just because, or any other thing like that.
1. When you are interested in a woman, if you don't have yourself together please do everyone a favor and don't even attempt to pursue the woman. Many women don't/won't wait for you to get it together, especially if you are over a certain age.
2. Don't wait too late. There is a saying that goes something like "Study long, study wrong". A lot of guys are like a little kid in the candy store when it comes to dating. Some men act like kids in the candy store when it comes to dating. They get so excited with all the different selections, they don't know how to narrow it down to just one.
3. Start showing a little maturity. I can't speak for all women, but I know quite a few who can't stand immature males. Know when enough is enough.
4. Second chances don't come around too often. If a woman allows you to come back into her life, don't do the fool and repeat the same mistake(s) twice. What men also need to realize is, most women have a window in which she will allow a man to come back and after that window, he can hang it up!
5. Be a man! I think this is the most important tidbit to know. Women don't want to have to try and rear an adult male into a man. If you have reached a certain age and you don't know what a man is supposed to do or how he's supposed to act, you need to get a book or ask a man. Women shouldn't have to tell a man to hold the door for her, send her flowers just because, or any other thing like that.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Wanted: A good man.
I am single and for the most part I am okay with this; however, there are times when I get frustrated and discouraged. One of those times is when I am invited to parties, weddings or other events where the majority of the people are married or in long-term relationships. Most of the time, there is no one there for me to converse with and let the record reflect that I don't want your man (most of the time the women think I do).
I've been invited to a few events that require an escort and I don't have one to accompany me. It seems like when you ask some Black men to go with you to an event, they assume you want to be in a relationship with them. They never think you may enjoy their company and want to hang out with them. I am not really sure what the deal is, but I know I am tired of it.
I have a P.S.A. to all the people who have these events and don't think about their single friends when doing so: It isn't that we are looking for you to hook us up with anyone, we just want someone to have a decent conversation with while at your event. Is that too much to ask?
I've been invited to a few events that require an escort and I don't have one to accompany me. It seems like when you ask some Black men to go with you to an event, they assume you want to be in a relationship with them. They never think you may enjoy their company and want to hang out with them. I am not really sure what the deal is, but I know I am tired of it.
I have a P.S.A. to all the people who have these events and don't think about their single friends when doing so: It isn't that we are looking for you to hook us up with anyone, we just want someone to have a decent conversation with while at your event. Is that too much to ask?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
No two people are the same.
In the past few weeks, I've been speaking with a few friends and some of them have expressed concern with some of the people in their life who is trying to make them be a carbon copy of someone else. I've noticed that sometimes, people are upset when you do something that is different from what they feel like you should be doing.
When God created us, He made us all to be unique individuals. I've been thinking about this for quite some time and what I believe is this, these 'friends' really have some personal issues within and they are trying to take it out on others. I think if everyone would focus on their personal life, things would be a whole lot better.
Allow your friends to be the individual God created him/her to be!
Until later...
When God created us, He made us all to be unique individuals. I've been thinking about this for quite some time and what I believe is this, these 'friends' really have some personal issues within and they are trying to take it out on others. I think if everyone would focus on their personal life, things would be a whole lot better.
Allow your friends to be the individual God created him/her to be!
Until later...
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Freedom begins with the mind!
If you know the history of slavery in America, you will know that once slavery was abolished, many slaves refused to go because they were afraid. They were physically free, but mentally they were still enslaved. Many of these people were afraid of leaving because they had been brainwashed into thinking slavery was the best option for them.
There are many people today who are still living in slavery. Freedom begins in your mind and with your thought process. I believe it was Henry Ford that once said, "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't." I believe this quote stems from Proverbs 23:7a "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he."
Most people don't realize that our thoughts is what hold us in bondage. Once we are able to free our mind, the rest will follow. If you speak certain things, eventually they will come to pass. To those who believe they will never get married, have a child, have a business, get out of debt, or be able to afford the finer things in life, you won't. Today, the pastor said something that was simple yet profound. He said, start hanging around the type of people you want to be like. If you want to be a millionaire, start hanging with like minded individuals. You also need to start acting like one. This does not mean you go out and purchase things you can't afford, but you can no longer function like you're living paycheck to paycheck.
One of the reasons many athletes and other celebrities have a difficult time matriculating into an upper class/wealthy environment is because of their mind. Think about it, many of these individuals grew up in an impoverished environment and all of a sudden they have more money than most people will amass in a lifetime. Most of them are not ready mentally and they continue to behave in the manner they have been functioning their entire lives. Some of them get it, but a lot of them don't. This is why many of them get kicked out of 5-star hotels, and four-star restaurants. Just because they can afford to fly first class, doesn't always mean they have first class mentality. These people are mentally enslaved.
Freeing the mind is not an easy task. The individual has to want to be free. If that person remains around people who are mentally enslaved, oftentimes they don't believe anything is wrong with their thoughts. Think about this the next time you say you can't do something.
There are many people today who are still living in slavery. Freedom begins in your mind and with your thought process. I believe it was Henry Ford that once said, "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't." I believe this quote stems from Proverbs 23:7a "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he."
Most people don't realize that our thoughts is what hold us in bondage. Once we are able to free our mind, the rest will follow. If you speak certain things, eventually they will come to pass. To those who believe they will never get married, have a child, have a business, get out of debt, or be able to afford the finer things in life, you won't. Today, the pastor said something that was simple yet profound. He said, start hanging around the type of people you want to be like. If you want to be a millionaire, start hanging with like minded individuals. You also need to start acting like one. This does not mean you go out and purchase things you can't afford, but you can no longer function like you're living paycheck to paycheck.
One of the reasons many athletes and other celebrities have a difficult time matriculating into an upper class/wealthy environment is because of their mind. Think about it, many of these individuals grew up in an impoverished environment and all of a sudden they have more money than most people will amass in a lifetime. Most of them are not ready mentally and they continue to behave in the manner they have been functioning their entire lives. Some of them get it, but a lot of them don't. This is why many of them get kicked out of 5-star hotels, and four-star restaurants. Just because they can afford to fly first class, doesn't always mean they have first class mentality. These people are mentally enslaved.
Freeing the mind is not an easy task. The individual has to want to be free. If that person remains around people who are mentally enslaved, oftentimes they don't believe anything is wrong with their thoughts. Think about this the next time you say you can't do something.
Friday, July 24, 2009
My rants, raves and other thoughts!
This blog is all of my rants, raves and other random thoughts. If you are offended by something here, that is not the intent. It is my hope that you will be informed and aware of some of the issues I face and deal with on a regular basis.
Until later...
Until later...
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